Check the credits of your favorite records from the last few years and you’ll see Alissia’s name everywhere. Whether it’s the bounce of Kaytranada or the raw soul of Mary J. Blige, the Swiss born, Italy raised multi-instrumentalist has quietly become one of the industry’s most trusted secret weapons. Culminating in a historic nod as only the ninth woman ever nominated for the GRAMMY for Producer of the Year she tells ESSENCE, “I do think there can be a lack of opportunities for women in this industry,” she reflects. “One thing I’ve learned is the importance of knowing your worth and trusting that you’re in the room for a reason.”

Now, she’s trading the background for the center stage. Her new single “Can’t Get Enough” sees her officially stepping out as an artist, linking up with longtime creative partner Anderson .Paak for a track that feels like an immediate summer classic. For Alissia, the pivot is just the natural progression of a lifelong obsession with the groove genre.

“Stepping into artistry just feels like the right evolution for me right now,” she says. “It feels natural, aligned, and like the right time to share more of my own voice with the world.”

Ahead, ESSENCE chats with Alissia to talk about her journey, her legendary mentors, and what’s next.

ESSENCE: You actually started your musical journey as a classically trained pianist then studied arranging for strings, horns and got into production. What was it about that specific moment at a friend’s house when you picked up a bass guitar and started producing that made you say “this is what I’m meant to do”?

Alissia: The first time I picked up a bass, I started playing right away. There was an instant connection, and I knew it was something special. I’ve always been deeply inspired by ’70s music, and what drew me to funk more than anything was the bass. At the same time, I was heavily influenced by artists like Michael Jackson and Prince. Watching how they built entire musical worlds made me want to understand every element of the process. That’s when I decided to study string arrangements, horn arrangements and everything in between. It’s helped me articulate exactly what I was hearing in my head. I’m really grateful for those years of study because it has shaped the way I create music today and has been invaluable throughout my career.

ESSENCE: How did your mentorship from funk legends like Bootsy Collins change the way you think about space and silence in a song versus just filling it with sound?

Alissia: I’m really grateful that I started my journey in this industry with someone like Bootsy Collins, who has so much wisdom and experience. Early on, he taught me some of the most important lessons I still carry with me throughout my career. One that really stayed with me is the idea of , “the space between the notes,” and how important it is to let the music breathe. He also used to say that if you can solo each individual instrument in a track and it still feels like a complete, intentional part of the record on its own, then you know you’ve built something strong. At its core, production is about serving the song.

ESSENCE: Becoming only the ninth woman nominated for GRAMMY Producer of the Year was a historic moment. What responsibility, if any, do you feel comes with being a visible example for the next generation of women in music? Looking back on your journey, what do you wish more aspiring producers, especially young women, understood about building a career in music production?

Alissia: I was incredibly honored when I received the nomination. After spending so many years working behind the scenes, it was such a rewarding moment and honestly, it still doesn’t feel completely real. To be recognized by my peers in that way meant a lot to me and to everyone who has supported my journey along the way. The more you invest in your skills and knowledge, the more confidence you’ll have in any room you walk into and people will respect you for that.

ESSENCE: Your new single, “Can’t Get Enough,” blends funk, pop, soul, and live musicianship in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. What drew you and Anderson .Paak together creatively on this record, and what did you want listeners to feel when they heard it?

Alissia: For this particular song, I already had the instrumental idea when I brought it to Anderson. I really wanted to capture that up tempo, feel good energy, that people could dance to and connect with no matter where they are in the world. From the moment I started working on it, I felt there was something special about the record and knew it would perfectly complement his voice and writing style.

ESSENCE: As we gear up for the second half of 2026, what can fans expect from you?

Alissia: I’m currently working on an album, and I’m really excited to share more soon. It’s some of my most personal and best work to date, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.